Sign-Up to Hand Out Scavenger Hunt Prompts
Our May challenge will be a Matryoshka built around a scavenger hunt. If you'd like to hand out prompts (and receive comments on your work for doing so!), you can sign up to do so.
SWG News
New Challenge: Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration.
Cultus Dispatches: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn and Grundy
The fan studies column Cultus Dispatches returns with a history of how Tolkien fanworks fandom has reacted and resisted generative AI by drawing strong boundaries in a way that is not typical for the fandom.
Instadrabbling Sessions for April, May, and June
Instadrabbling continues on the first Saturday of each month on our Discord server.
New & Updated Fanworks
[Writing] A Very Fire by Deborah Judge
Feanor and Fingolfin, from their youth to their fall.
"I will do this gladly," Fingolfin said, whispering into Feanor's mouth, grasping for reasons and sense. "Gladly, if it will bring peace between us. If it will end the madness."
"The madness will not end," Feanor…
[Writing] After the Kinslaying by Deborah Judge
A Teleri fishing boat captain turns to farming on abandoned Noldor lands after her ship is stolen. A Noldor farmer returns with Finarfin to find that his land belongs to the Teleri now.
[Writing] Add Another Stone by StarSpray
The thing about forgiveness, he thought, was that it was so much easier when the object of it was far away—or dead. It was so much easier to let it all go when those responsible were far away and unable to do any more harm.
[Writing] How Tolkien Presents Ordinary People in "The Silmarillion" by Dawn Felagund
Inspired by collecting the prompts for the Everyman challenge, this essay considers how ordinary people are subsumed and silenced in The Silmarillion, which begins a three-book arc that ends with the rise of the humble and ordinary.
[Writing] Blessed are the Leave-takers by Isilme_among_the_stars
As prince Curufinwë Fëanáro makes an historical speech from the high court of the King upon Túna, those at the back of the crowd strain to hear.
A silly little scene inspired by Monty Python's "Blessed are the Cheesemakers" scene from The Life of Brian, written for …
[Writing] I Sit and Think of Times There Were Before by Erdariel
In his old age, Isildur's former esquire Ruinamacil, known to later histories only as Ohtar, writes his own account of his escape from the ambush at Gladden Fields and journey to Imladris, and the history of his friend whom Isildur ordered to flee with him.
[Writing] Until the Stars are All Alight by Dagstjarna
Reembodied in Aman, Celebrimbor decides to return to Middle earth to help heal the darkness and hurt wrought by the ring.
Current Challenge
Everyman
Create a fanwork about an ordinary character in the legendarium using a quote about an unnamed character as inspiration. Read more ...
Random Challenge
Another Place in Time
Move beyond the places and times of familiar events to consider what was going on elsewhere in Arda at the same time as a major event covered in The Silmarillion. How--if at all--did the event impact what was transpiring elsewhere at the same time? Read more ...
New in References
Fandom Draws the Line: Fanworks, AI, and Resistance by Dawn Felagund, Grundy
By definition, fanworks fandom does not draw a lot of boundaries, but community archives and events have taken a strong stance against AI-generated fanworks due to ethical considerations and member input.
Grief, Grieving, and Permission to Mourn in the "Quenta Silmarillion" by Dawn Walls-Thumma
In a book as full of death as the Quenta Silmarillion, grief and mourning are surprisingly absent. The characters who receive grief and mourning—and those who don't—appear to do so due to narrative bias. Grief and mourning (or a lack of them) serve to draw attention toward and away from objectionable actions committed by characters.
Tolkien, Lunatic Physicists, and Abnegation by Cynthia (Cindy) Gates
This presentation for Mereth Aderthad 2025 discusses the parallels between the concept of abnegation in the scientific work surrounding the atomic bomb and in The Silmarillion. The relinquishment of self-interest in favor of the interests of others, abnegation was identified by Tolkien as a powerful act of spirit and reason. The legendarium has many examples of the complexities of abnegation, which parallel similar discussions held by physicists during and after World War II.
Featured Themed Collection
Beyond the Silmarillion
[Writing] Down the Long Years by Isilme_among_the_stars
Bilbo, the strange old hobbit with the wandering feet, senses something special in young Frodo the first time he sees the lad; as they become close, they find in each other a cameraderie not well understood by other hobbits. Five poignant moments between Bilbo and Frodo Baggins over the course…
[Artwork] The Mirror of Galadriel by skywardstruck
Smoke rises from the Mirror, where the Lady of Lothlórien awaits to share its visions.
[Writing] Bar-en-Eladar by Gabriel
Out of the shadow, light is born anew.
A Chieftain is dead. And whilst the events surrounding his death are unclear, a son tries to come to terms with his loss.
Around the World and Web
Week of Kiliel
A Tumblr event dedicated to the relationship between Kili and Tauriel.
Aspec Arda Week 2026
This week-long event celebrates asexual and aromantic spectrum interpretations and headcanons of Tolkien’s Legendarium.
April/May Teitho Challenge
Teithio is running a prompt challenge around the theme of "heartbreak."
Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2026
The Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang is back for another summer of collaboration between artists and writers!
Truly All Fanworks
This page includes all fanworks from the main SWG archive and the Beyond the Silmarillion section.
Aerin and Broddun by Himring
The story of Aerin of the House of Hador and Broddun of the Easterlings, Brodda's sister. After the crushing defeat of the Edain in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Easterlings have occupied Dor-lomin. Brodda has taken Aerin to wife by force.
Aerin and Broddun find ways of dealing with it and with each other. Their friendship grows and survives amid difficulties, but the end is bitter.
Now added: an extra drabble.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aerin, Brodda, Lorgan, Morwen, Original Character(s), Sador Labadal |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Rape/Nonconsensual Sex, Character Death, Mature Themes, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 3, 930 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Owl by curufinweatarinke
A series of snapshots from Fëanor’s early life, centred around a beloved stuffed owl.
(Or, adventures in single fatherhood with Finwë)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Curufin, Fëanor, Finwë, Ingwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 6 | Word Count: 4, 173 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Scorched by curufinweatarinke
Celebrimbor, Curufin and Celegorm in the aftermath of Fëanor’s death.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 537 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Habeas Corpus by curufinweatarinke
Curufin is accused of a crime he didn’t commi, but wishes he did.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Maedhros, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General, Humor | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 304 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Silver by curufinweatarinke
Finwë reflects on the similarities between Tyelkormo and Míriel
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celegorm, Finwë, Indis, Míriel Serindë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 691 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Stars by curufinweatarinke
Celebrimbor is his father’s son.
(snapshots from the life of a more Fëanorian Celebrimbor)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Celegorm, Curufin, Fëanor, Maedhros, Narvi, Sauron |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Torture, Character Death, Violence (Moderate) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 2, 255 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Negotiations by arafinwean
Haleth looks at Caranthir and wonders what he's lost.
Or the first meeting between the two. Written for the Starter Prompt for the Holiday Feast.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Haleth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 922 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
A Place in Time by Nienna
A ficlet or drabble a day, various subjects.
For independence1776‘s Hanukkah themed prompts: independence1776.tumblr.com/post/180634928943/hanukkah-themed-prompts
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Eärwen, Galadriel, Lúthien Tinúviel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 508 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Fate and Free Will in Arda by Lyra
I have been meaning to write an essay on this topic this year, but it's such a complicated topic that I haven't even begun to read up on it. I have, however, assembled a list of material I would read if I got around to tackling the essay. So here: have an informal bibliography, with unqualified commentary by yours truly.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Nonfiction/Meta | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 216 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (6) |
Song and Smoke by Zdenka
During her forced marriage to Brodda, Aerin is consoled by the presence of Rían’s ghost. (Two versions of the story: chapter 1 in prose and chapter 2 in alliterative verse.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aerin, Rían |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Poetry, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn, Character Death, Mature Themes |
| Chapters: 2 | Word Count: 1, 240 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Finding a Word by Zdenka
Níniel needs Finduilas to help her remember a word. Or maybe she just wants to kiss her.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finduilas, Nienor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Alternate Universe, Romance, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 282 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Miracles Great and Small by janeways
Spending the holidays with your family is always difficult. Especially if you've disowned them.
Or, Celebrimbor discovers you can choose your own family (sometimes, it's even the people you're related to).
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Elrond, Erestor, Gil-galad, Maglor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 1, 894 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (4) |
Lovely, Dark and Deep by StarSpray
Elwë gets sidetracked on his way to visit Finwë.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Melian |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Het, Romance | Challenges: Holiday Feast |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 421 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Outsiders of Gondolin Mutual Defence League by Himring
In Gondolin, a fat elf attempts to befriend a sad elf.
At first, things don't look very promising.
But maybe the friendship will turn out deeper and more real for it, in the long run.
Now added: a prologue and six chapters.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Húrin, Maeglin, Original Female Character(s), Rog, Salgant |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General | Challenges: 30-Day Character Study, B2MeM 2018, New Year's Resolution |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 11 | Word Count: 2, 335 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (16) |
Companions by Zdenka
Haleth and those who followed her. (Haleth/OFC. Two drabble sequences and a 250-word fixed-length ficlet.)
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Finrod Felagund, Haleth, Original Female Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 1, 072 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Fairer Than Ivory or Pearls by Zdenka
Míriel has a mysterious encounter after a Festival of Uinen at Rómenna. Much later, facing death for herself and her people, she makes a bargain with the Lady of the Seas.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Tar-Míriel, Tar-Palantir, Uinen |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Mature Themes, Sexual Content (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 5, 111 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
Because My Land is Fair by Zdenka
The Entwives tend their orchard.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Ents |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 529 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
The Shapes of Evil by Nitheliniel
When the sons of Feanor come to Doriath to claim the Silmaril by force, Elurín and Eluréd learn that evil is not always beastly and that sometimes, the monsters from your nightmares are the only hope at hand.
The Silmarillion/Doctor Who crossover
Or: "The Angels Take Doriath" (my working title)
“People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually – from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint – it's more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly... time-y wimey... stuff.” [Doctor Who, Series 2, Episode 10 „Blink“]
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Elu Thingol, Eluréd, Elurín, Nimloth |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Crossover | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Violence (Mild) |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 6, 704 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
The Song Continues by StraightOuttaHimring
In Nargothrond, Celebrimbor's final conversation with Finrod leaves an impression that will stay with him to the fall of Ost-in-Edhil.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor, Finrod Felagund |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 806 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (1) |
craving roses (i'm coming for you) by kimaracretak
The forest at night is theirs alone
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Aredhel, Thuringwethil |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, Horror, Slash/Femslash | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 100 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
time (you are light) by kimaracretak
Lalaith and death are both patient creatures.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Lalaith |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet, General, Horror | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 99 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
non fiction meta by hennethgalad
a theory of the etymology of 'Arvernien'
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: No major characters listed |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: No warnings apply |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 214 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (3) |
Flashes of Fancy by heget
All the instadrabbles (100 words or less) written for the SWG Discord event on November 18th.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Andreth, Beren, Daeron, Elu Thingol, Elwing, Finwë, Ingwë, Ingwion, Lúthien Tinúviel, Míriel Serindë, Original Character(s) |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: General | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: General | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 17 | Word Count: 1, 605 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (0) |
Inglorëa by sian22
Deep in a Dol Guldur dungeon, Celebrimbor must hold his silence to ensure his greatest work stays free. 1st Place Teitho Challenge: Honour
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Celebrimbor |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Drama | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Teens | Warnings: Character Death |
| Chapters: 1 | Word Count: 3, 055 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
| This fanwork is complete. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (2) |
They Went in Haste by Dawn Felagund
A collection of drabbles written for instadrabbling sessions on the SWG Discord.
| Canon Source: The Silmarillion and Related Works |
| Major Characters: Caranthir, Celegorm, Daeron, Fëanor, Fingon, Maedhros, Pengolodh, Voronwë |
| Major Relationships: No major relationships listed |
| Genres: Fixed-Length Ficlet | Challenges: No challenge listed |
| Rating: Creator Chooses Not to Rate | Warnings: Creator Chooses Not to Warn |
| Chapters: 9 | Word Count: 887 |
| Posted on | Updated on |
This fanwork belongs to the series
| This fanwork is a work in progress. |
| Table of Contents and Single Chapters | Show All Chapters | Comments (18) |
